I sniffled. “I love you, Jas.”
“I love you more, Britsy. Get some sleep, okay? Big days ahead.”
---
The next morning, I woke to a room full of tulips. Jasper had filled the entire hotel suite with them.
I twirled between the vases, giggling, until I collapsed onto the couch in a pile of pillows.
For the first time in a long time, I felt light. I felt ready.
---
The day of the show arrived faster than I expected.
Backstage, Corinne and I huddled together, both wrapped in silky robes, hair curled, makeup flawless.
“I feel like I’m gonna throw up,” I whispered.
“Me too,” Corinne giggled. “But we’ve got this.”
“Brits Ashford, you’re up next!” someone called.
My heart pounded. Corinne squeezed my hand.
“Go show them who you are,” she whispered.
I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and stepped onto the runway.
And for the first time, I didn’t feel scared.
I felt free.
Chapter 26
Brittany
The Past — Age 23
It’s been three weeks since I left the psychiatric hospital, and only a week since I walked the Victoria’s Secret runway in New York. Now, I’m back in Los Angeles, where everything feels both too fast and too familiar.
Today is Jasper’s birthday—my brother, my rock, my sometimes annoying best friend. But tonight’s celebration feels less likea party and more like one of Father’s campaign dinners. Our father, Carter Ashford, is running for another term in the Senate, and Jasper, his golden son and campaign manager, has been tasked with charming every powerful donor in the room.
I stand near the corner of the Ashford estate’s ballroom, balancing a champagne flute I have no intention of drinking. The crystal chandeliers above scatter flecks of light over the polished marble floor, and a string quartet plays softly in the background.
All around me, men in tailored suits and women in glittering gowns laugh, network, and exchange calculated smiles. My mother, Andrea Ashford, floats gracefully between clusters of politicians and celebrities, always the perfect hostess.
I inhale, smoothing my pale pink satin dress, trying not to feel the old anxiety clawing at the edges of my chest. I invited Corinne tonigh.
I’m convinced Jasper and Corinne have chemistry, ever since that day at the hospital when Jasper visited me and their eyes met like magnets.
"Brit!" Corinne’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to see her weaving through the crowd toward me, her caramel hair swept into a chic bun, eyes warm despite the stiff elegance of the event. “You look amazing, girl.”
“Corinne!” I breathe out in relief, pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank God you’re here. If I had to endure another minute talking about tax reform or fundraising margins, I was going to scream.”
She laughs, soft and familiar. "You’re a senator’s daughter. Comes with the territory."
I grin. "Don’t remind me." Taking her hand, I lead her toward Jasper, who’s momentarily free of politicians. “Jas! Come here.”
